subject: Kelaniya Temple One Of Sri Lankas Holiest Temples [print this page] Located in Kelaniya, some twelve kilometres outside the Sri Lankan commercial capital of Colombo, the Kelaniya Temple (also called the Kelaniya Vihara) is an ancient Buddhist temple. The temple stands on the banks of the mighty Kelani River. It is a sacred place that was hallowed by the Buddha on his third and final visit to Sri Lanka. The visit took place in 2,531, eight years after he attained enlightenment, on a Vesak (a holy day for Buddhists) day upon the invitation of King Maniakkhika.
Many Buddhists believe that the visit was intended to put an end to a feud between two rivals to the Naga throne. After Lord Buddha showed them the unimportance of their quarrel, the two rivals made up and offered the throne to the Buddha instead. It is thought that the original temple was built to house the jewel encrusted throne which has been lost over time. Much of the original temple and its structures were destroyed by the Portuguese in 1510 when they took over the temple land. Buddhists were prohibited from worshipping there until 1767 when the Dutch took over and re-gifted the land to King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha as a gesture of goodwill. Soon a new temple was built and the Kelaniya Temple was restored to its former glory.
Today the Kelaniya Temple remains one of the most venerated temples on the island and is known for the intricate sculptures and paintings that adorn the walls. It is also the site of an annual pageant the Duruthu Maha Perahera. Tourists visiting Colombo should definitely consider visiting this historic site.
Sri Lanka travel in metropolitan areas is easy thanks to the availability of ample buses, taxis and three wheelers (referred to as 'tuk tuks'). However, the public transport system in more remote areas is less developed. Tourists intent on exploring this tropical paradise can save themselves a lot of hassle by signing up for Sri Lanka tours conducted by a reputed organisation such as Jetwing Travels. Safe and efficient, they reveal a side of the island that few foreigners get to see but are sure to treasure.
